The Fall of the Berlin Wall is a good introduction to its subject but is obviously limited in the details it provides. Those wanting a fuller accounting of the geo-politics behind the Berlin conflict or the events of 1989 will need to seek out longer more scholarly works. As will those seeking to wrestle with the historical what ifs (like the decision not to physically challenge the wall's construction) or debate who "won" the Cold War. This work is neither controversial nor particularly profound. But not everyone is looking for exhaustive discussion or analytical judgments of every detail. Sometimes it is enjoyable just to see the big picture, to view the people and events from a bird's eye view. Buckley gives us just that, an engaging and accessible popular history.

Buckley's accomplishment should invite repetition. In a culture too often disconnected from a knowledge or awareness of history, presenting important historical events and ideas in such a readable, educational and interesting format should be encouraged. This time period was in many ways the focus of my graduate education, but I enjoyed reading Buckley's take. I would venture that anyone with an interest in the history of these pivotal events, or who simply wants to learn more about them, would enjoy this brief work. It would make a great gift to students and history buffs alike. For those who find history a daunting subject it is an excellent example of how history can be interesting. I highly recommend it.